Annie - I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me (video)Annie is back and looking amazing in her new vid, "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me", the first single off her forthcoming LP, tentatively titled 'Don't Stop', due out in late summer.

Mystery Jets - Young Love (video)I don't think I've posted this awesome vid yet. I love how Mystery Jets sprinkle in references to their influences, like Television in "Two Doors Down" and Blondie in "Young Love". Contributor Laura Marling even looks a bit like a young Debbie Harry.

Coldplay - Violet Hill (click and sign up to download)"If you love me, won't you let me know?"The first single from their forthcoming LP, 'Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends', is available on their website. Well, I suppose I've ignored Coldplay since 'X&Y' (or actually since their 2nd LP), but this song is reason to pay attention again. The expansive guitar and exaggerated dynamics kinda reminded me of Doves, mixed in with familiar Coldplay elements like Chris Martin's piano and trademark falsetto. (Speaking of which, when the hell are Doves coming out with a new album? Hopefully, this year.)

CSS - Rat Is Dead (Rage) (MP3)Hooray for new CSS! It's more alt rock/punk than their previous tunes, sharing more in common with Veruca Salt, Belly, or the Breeders than their dance rock counterparts.

The Radio Dept. - Freddie and the Trojan Horse (MP3) | mirrorWith all the great music coming out of Sweden, The Radio Dept. still holds its place as my favorite Swedish band/artist, with The Knife and Jens Lekman as close runners-up (not to leave out Robyn, Shout Out Louds, Peter Bjorn and John, Jose Gonzalez, The Cardigans, The Sounds, The Hives, and ABBA). This is the title track off their forthcoming LP, 'Freddie and the Trojan Horse', a dreamy and contemplative blend of pop, synth rock, and psychedelia.

Evil Dead - The MusicalWow, I really want to see this. Too bad it's only playing in Toronto. Come to Chicago (or at least to Broadway)!

Bento box lunches decorated as album artForget Food Network. These are the coolest culinary creations you'll see all year. Link above goes to a Japanese blog dedicated to these bento box creations. Translation of some of these in the ensuing link: [via]

My Brightest Diamond - Inside A BoyShara Worden has a wonderful voice. She's been compared to Kate Bush, which is only a bit of a stretch. However, if this song is any indication, things on 'A Thousand Shark's Teeth' (the follow-up to her eclectic debut LP) will pick up where they left off.

The Roots - Birthday Girl feat. Patrick Stump (video)Definitely doesn't sound like a Roots song at first. But it ends better than most rock-rap fusion attempts. The video is long on innuendo (pun intended) but doesn't end exactly as you'd expect.

Subway CrushCan someone make one for Chicago's "L"? It will prevent the need for Missed Connections on Craigslist or all-too-precious sites like this

Wolf Parade - Call It A Ritual (MP3) | mirrorYeah, I'm late to the party. Here is some yummy new Wolf Parade to whet your appetite in the unlikely event you have not heard it yet. Gratuitously lifted from here.

Mystery Jets - Young Love (MP3) | mirrorPerfect song for summer frolicking in the fields chasing after your love... if that's your thing. I am digging most of the new Mystery Jets album, but I especially love this song, especially when Laura Marling's vocal comes in. I'll post the equally excellent Shoes Remix tomorrow.

Orouni - A Greased & Golden Palm (MP3)Here's a nice submission from Orouni, who apparently hails from France. This here's a nice fanciful pop folk tune in the vein of Jens Lekman or Page France. Check it out.

M83 - Graveyard Girl (video)With M83, Neon Neon, Crystal Castles, and Hot Chip (to name but a few), there's a lot in the electro/electronic/synth pop realm keeping my ears busy. The new M83 album redirects the wonderfully dark energy of the previous LP into a much more upbeat offering, featuring lovely vocals from Morgan Kibby, lead singer of The Romanovs, who admittedly I know absolutely nothing about except the all too convenient Evanescence comparisons. Her voice fits perfectly with M83's neo-shoegaze soundscape. Too bad she's not on the first single/video. However, be sure to check out the LP and listen to "Kim & Jessie", "Skin of the Night", and "Up!"

Portishead - Machine Gun (video)Do not listen to this on an empty stomach. Is it worth the 11 year wait? I think so, but I'm still digesting the album.

Download YouTube Videos as MP4 VideosI didn't know that you can now download YouTube videos as MP4 videos, which allows for much improved quality over the standard FLV video file format. Use the bookmarklet below (drag it to your bookmarks or favorites); then, when you are on a YouTube page, use it, and you will see a download link appear under the video description area. Be sure to save as a .mp4 file. For info on how to set up the GreaseMonkey script, see the above link.

20 respectable rock and rap acts that peaked with debut albumsThere are probably many more that could be included in this list (arguably Jimi Hendrix, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Liz Phair, Pearl Jam, Weezer, Violent Femmes, The Pretenders, Guns N' Roses, Oasis, The Orb, Moby, Eric B and Rakim, LL Cool J, Dr. Dre, Big Daddy Kane). I suppose even essentially one-album bands (i.e. The Sex Pistols) could be in the list as well.

El Madmo derives its name from each band member: El (bassist/singer aka Handsome Band's Daru Oda), Maddie (guitarist/singer aka Norah Jones, yeah that Norah Jones), and Mo (drummer aka Handsome Band's Andrew Borger). The songs are a playful mix of indie rock, alt-country, pop, and punk. This will be right up your alley if you like Zooey Deschanel's recent collab with M. Ward, She & Him, although El Madmo is more unpredictable and cheeky. Combine that with a cleverly disguised Norah Jones looking hot and punky in a blond wig, fishnet stockings, and super hero get-up...it's hard to resist. Their eponymous album is coming out on Conor Oberst's Team Love record label on May 20. Pre-order it here. Cheeky lyrics ahead...

El Madmo - GGW Lyrics

Don't touch meDon't play meOr my little sister

Your breath isOffensiveWhen you open your mouth

I'm not lonelyI just wanted a drinkYou don't need to understand

You're dirtyNot sturdyDon't you puke on my dress

Lay off meI'm ____(?)I don't want your number

I told you not to touch meBut I'll say it againI guess you want to lose an eye-ai-ai-ai-ai!

Flickr: The Defaced Presidents PoolThis is pretty funny. True, Benji wasn't a president, but I'll let that slide. People featured on U.S. currency transformed into Spock, David Bowie, Kiss, and Adam Ant. Lincoln is convincing as an Aladdin Sane era Bowie.